Feeling guilty about maternity leave

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So I'm due 12/2 and wanted to work up until I'm 38 weeks pregnant. However, I'm scheduled to work thanksgiving and I'll be 39 weeks then. I notified the schedule committee of my request to be taken off the schedule at 38 weeks. However, I can't help but feel a little guilty. They will be short on Thanksgiving.... It not like I'll be vacationing somewhere on the beach so I'm not sure why I feel this way. Maybe it is just my hormones... normally I wouldn't care so much.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Unless you work labor and delivery your co-workers will probably be more than happy to have you gone. Few things are more terrifying than worrying about a co-worker going into labor during my shift! Take the time without guilt and enjoy. Congrats to you and your family!!

Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I want to add to the unanimous response not to worry! Staffing has what, two months to get someone? If they're desperate, they can offer incentives like extra upcoming holidays off, or an extra weekend off, or a monetary bonus, for staff willing to pick up. They are not limited to staring at a spreadsheet and wailing "What do we dooooo?" or "Too bad, 10 pts for everyone," just because you are off. You and your colleagues are paid to be nurses. The staffing office personnel are paid to be staffing office personnel. They are perfectly capable of figuring something out.

Plus they feel no guilt about cancelling shifts when overstaffed, and mandating (if your place does that) or calling us at home when they're short.

You are legally entitled to this time off. PTO and STD are part of your compensation. Enjoy your last couple of weeks pre-baby, take a bubble bath in the middle of the day if you want to, get a pedi, sleep until noon if you feel like it, have an uninterrupted Thanksgiving dinner. You've earned it!

I think it is a consistent "no guilt" vote. I was due with my first one on New Years Day, I worked up until the day I delivered which was 12/31. I had wonderful co-workers who helped me and I did make them nervous working for so long. I was young and health. The time with your baby is very short and precious, take care of yourself and take off. I did not feel guilty about missing my scheduled shift for New Years, and believe me, there is a way to find coverage if they want to. We all have worked short on the holiday, in fact it is almost expected, so don't sweat it, go enjoy your newborn!! And if the newborn has not arrived, I agree, take a nap because you may not get the opportunity for extra sleep for a long time!!

Everyone of you are correct !! No more guilt. Im a Post partum nurse so my coworkers are extra protective of me.

Don't feel guilty,you spend so much time caring for others, take this time to care for yourself and your bundle of joy.

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